(Caps Outsider)
John Carlson last played April 2 in a 3-2 win over the Blue Jackets, and has since been out with a lower-body injury. Although he did practice on Tuesday, he was limited. He skated with Taylor Chorney at the start, and practiced with the second power play unit.
Coach Barry Trotz did say he would wait and see but Carlson is “probably a go” for game 1. When asked, Carlson said “It doesn’t matter.”
Nate Schmidt has played in the four games in his absence. Schmidt has a goal and an assist in these games and is a +6. With the Caps hopeful to make a deep playoff run, I do not see a reason to push Carlson for game 1 if he is not ready. If he is, his injury could get worse and he could not be available farther down in the postseason.
